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New York gas drillers to Gov. Andrew Cuomo: 50,000 jobs at risk without hydrofracking

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Bill Monahan fills his truck with water that will be used for hydraulic fracturing at a pumping station in Pennsylvania last year. The head of the New York gas drillers group said today Gov. Andrew Cuomo should approve hydrofracking.
( Andrew Maykuth | Philadelphia Inquirer)

Update: An earlier version of the story misidentified the writer of this letter. The correct name is IOGA Executive Director Brad Gill.

The Independent Oil & Gas Association of New York, in a letter to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, says the 50,000 jobs it provides in New York are in jeopardy if the state does not move forward to approve hydrofracking.

"I write representing an industry and profession in crisis, with the livelihoods of the people we employ now imperiled," said association Executive Director Brad Gill. "Our industry, which has operated in good faith and responsibly for decades in New York, is leaving; and so are the 5,000 direct and nearly 50,000 indirect jobs supported by our members."

Gill said that in 2008, the state Department of Environmental Conservation issued 550 permits for gas and oil wells; last year it issued only 163. While hydrofracking is not allowed in New York, conventional drilling is.

The state has been studying hydrofracking for several years, but has yet to make a decision. The DEC is awaiting a review from the state Department of Health before finishing the hydrofracking environmental report. Gill said there is no need for further study; research, he wrote, says hydrofracking can be done safely and responsibly.

"The science is in," Gill said. "The public can be assured that exploration for natural gas in New York is -- and has -- been safe, good for our environment and for our economy. New York must now join the nation and embrace the expansion of responsible natural gas development."